Nacon Colorlight Controller Review

Nacon’s wired Colorlight Xbox controller has a lot in common with Nacon’s Revolution X Camo unit. Both feature highly customizable options thanks to the intuitive companion app, are made of considerate build, and offer a decent alternative to the standard Microsoft design. The Colorlight separates itself by the wealth of color and LED light features marked at a more budget price point of $40. But is it better than the standard Microsoft design?

The obvious selling point of this controller comes from the LED lights. Housed in a clear plastic shell, this controller is loaded with a half dozen LEDs, 25 possible colors, 4 lighting effects, and 3 light speed settings. In summary, the light customization possibilities are insane, and everything is made easy via the free companion app. Once downloaded, players can effortlessly adjust any setting which are instantly installed. The LEDs are bright too. If adjusted to max setting, they will light up an entire room like a Christmas tree to impressive effects.

Speaking of effects, players can choose between pulse, cycle, and prism (and off). Pulse means the lights will essentially breathe from color to color. The cycle option transitions between colors on a repeated loop from one edge of the controller to the next. Prism tells the control to rotate through the varying color options. All are cool and impressive and didn’t find one more favorable than another, so it is encouraged to experiment with all the settings. At the same time, if you don’t want to get fancy, you can always instruct the controller to stay one color or have the lighting options to be inactive if you wanted a more boring gaming experience.

Thankfully, the lights are not the only aspect that can be adjusted. Like the Revolution X controller, there are multiple controller profiles, all of which can be optionally set and adjusted at will. For example, the triggers can be set to register with different levels of pressure, essentially creating the ideal environment for a racing game or first-person shooter. The analog stick sensitivity and vibration settings can also be adjusted with an impressive amount of customization. All buttons can be remapped and the D-pad can even be set between an 8-way or 4-way model. In fact, there are so many options to adjust, I want this level of customization in all controllers for all systems until the end of time. The included 3.5mm headphone jack is also a most welcome feature, making it plug-and-plug with just about any headset.

Unfortunately, there are a few complaints that prevent this $40 controller from being a must-buy. First is the overall size and shape of the controller. The smaller design might make it more ideal for younger players but found it difficult to use comfortably. This double downs thanks to the stretched shape of the triggers. I found the awkwardly wide stance of the triggers make the entire controller difficult to hold. Maybe I am just used to the standard Microsoft controller, but I never got used to the non-ergonomic shape. After getting destroyed in a few Halo Infinite matches because I just couldn’t move and shoot properly, I had to go back to the standard Xbox controller and had no issue.

It is also important to note that is a wired-only controller; there is no wireless option. This reduces cost and latency while the USB connection is most likely needed to power all those fancy lights. However, the USB cable is composed of a sturdy braid design which basically guarantees you’ll never have a problem with it breaking. The 3-meter length should be adequate for most players too. Unfortunately, the cable is not detachable, but the cord does have a built-in Velcro strap to make storage much easier. However, like the Revolution X model, I am not the biggest fan of the included rumble motors. It works. It is fine but doesn’t seem as precise as the Microsoft controller and seems to be a bit louder.

The gimmick with this controller is all about the LED lights and the bagillion ways they can be customized. It is cool, no doubt, and it is much appreciated how the user can adjust the trigger, vibration, and analog stick settings. However, actually using the controller isn’t the best, due to the awkward overall shape and weird trigger positioning, and still much prefer the default Microsoft unit even if it targets a lower price point. However, budget gamers might still want to take note, especially if they want to impressively light up a room with a Christmas tree-meets-4^th of July light show.

The Colorlight is available exclusive at Gamestop whereas the Revolution X Camo unit is available only at Walmart.

Positives:

Lower price point ($40)

An insane amount of lighting effects

Companion app is easy to use, fast, and intuitive – so much to customize

All buttons, analog sticks, and triggers are customizable/remappable with pre-set configurations for FPS, arcade, Racing, and more

Compatible with Xbox and PC

Includes 3.5mm headphone jack

Attached USB connection is a sturdy, braided 10ft cable with included Velcro storage strap

Negatives:

Smaller size isn’t ergonomic

Feels like a budget controller

Wider stance on triggers feels off

Louder rumble

Wired design only and USB cable is not removable

Does not come with a storage case but is bundled securely in its original packaging

D-pad is fine and usable but not the greatest

By: Zachary Gasiorowski, Editor in Chief myGamer.com

Twitter: @ZackGaz

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